New City Fellowship Sermons

New City Fellowship's Final Service

Celebrating all that God has done in and through New City for the last 10 years.  

I AM the Light of the World

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” Today Pastor John and the Togo Mission Team will share with us how they shared and experienced this light in Togo.

I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Thanks to guest speaker Pastor Mike Veitz as he explores John 13:33-14:6, where Jesus declares Himself as 'the way, the truth, and the life.' We're reminded that our ultimate destination is not just a place, but a person - Jesus Christ. The passage invites us to consider what true paradise means, not as a physical location, but as eternal communion with God. We're challenged to examine our hearts: do we eagerly await this heavenly reality, or are we too attached to worldly pleasures? The message encourages us to refocus on Christ, understanding that He is not merely showing us the way, but He is the way. This truth calls us to make a decision about who Jesus is in our lives - not just a good teacher, but Lord and Savior.

I AM The Good Shepherd

I am the Good Shepherd, John 10

Can something be both brutal and beautiful at the same time? Is it possible for something to be gruesome...and good?

When Jesus says "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep", he is saying exactly that.

Expect to be encouraged as Pastor John unpacks John 10. You'll hear about a skydiving incident that went haywire, the intimacy we have with Jesus, and why our political candidates aren't our greatest hope.

I AM The Gate of the Sheep

Do-It-Yourself

John 10:1-10

 

Have you ever done a DIY (do-it-yourself) project? How did it go? The problem with DIY projects is that you don't know you did it wrong until it's done wrong. And even worse, we have no one to blame but ourselves, because we did it ourselves.

 

While we can laugh at some of our home project disasters, maybe we should think more deeply about how DIY translates into other areas of our lives, like spirituality. Are there any parallels?

 

Over the next two weeks, we'll explore Jesus' statement in John 10 where he compares us spiritually to sheep. If we can humble ourselves to realize we can't do-it-ourselves, we will find a spirituality in Jesus that can handle all our flaws and idiosyncrasies.

I AM The Resurrection and the Life

When It Doesn't Go How It's Supposed To Go

John 11

Life doesn't stick to the plan, does it? When Jesus tells his dear friend, Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life", it is in a moment where things are not going how they were supposed to go. Her brother just died, and she had warned Jesus it was going to happen. But Jesus' "lateness" to the death shows that life isn't really about things going how they're supposed to go. Rather,when life doesn't go how it's supposed to go, we can face life (and death) with certain hope.

Tribalism: God's Plan

Ephesians 3:1-13

In a world fraught with division and fear, we're reminded of God's grand plan for unity through the gospel. Ephesians 3:1-13 reveals the 'mystery' of God's intention to create a new tribe, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. This new family in Christ isn't just about individual salvation, but about forming a community where former enemies become brothers and sisters. We're challenged to look beyond our comfort zones and tribal instincts, recognizing that our greatest commonality is our need for God's grace. As we embrace this gospel-made tribe, we become living testimonies to God's wisdom and greatness, showing the world and even the spiritual realm the power of reconciliation through Christ.

I AM The Bread of Life

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again."

 

If you really reflect on this statement, its at least a little awkward. It could even seem arrogant.

 

No customer who has ever come to our business leaves dissatisfied.

No woman who goes on a date with me ever wishes she didn't.

No fan that comes to see our sports team play ever wishes they didn't.

 

I mean, its bold, right? Yet, Jesus says it...that he can satisfy our hunger.

I AM The True Vine

In John 15:1-17, we encounter Jesus' powerful metaphor of the vine and branches, emphasizing our need to remain connected to Him. This passage reminds us that our true identity isn't found in our accomplishments, others' approval, or even our relationships, but in being chosen and loved by Jesus. Despite our unworthiness, He calls us friends and invites us into an intimate relationship. Our role is to abide in Him daily through prayer and Scripture, allowing His love to flow through us and produce fruit. This fruit is primarily characterized by sacrificial love for others, mirroring Christ's love for us. As we reflect on this teaching, we're challenged to make Jesus our first priority and to let His love transform our interactions with others.

Nine Marks of Gospel Community Teamwork

Guest Pastor Jimmy Dodd explores the power of community, perseverance, and faith as exemplified in the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. We learn that no task is too menial when it is done in service to God, and that opposition does not necessarily mean we are outside of God's will. Ultimately, we are reminded of the extravagant grace and unconditional love God has for us, despite our flaws and mistakes.